2016 Audi allroad Review

For 2016, the Allroad sees just minor equipment updates. Audi Connect and keyless entry and ignition are now available on the base Premium trim, while the Premium Plus trim's Technology package now includes the Bang & Olufsen sound system. The Prestige trim has been discontinued.

Not everyone wants to drive a big, hulking SUV. Maybe you just need room for a couple of young kiddos? Perhaps a small dog? Sounds like a wagon might be more up your alley. Add in some light dirt road adventures, and the 2016 Audi Allroad may be the vehicle you're looking for. It'll get you and the family to the elementary school or the hiking trailhead with equal ease. Read on to see if this capable wagon meets your needs.

While the crossover has long since supplanted the wagon as America's family hauler of choice, Audi is quite happy to offer its 2016 Allroad wagon. We suspect that's because the "carlike handling" claimed by many crossovers just isn't always enough. Some drivers demand the responsive feel of an actual car, and that's precisely what Audi's sole remaining wagon provides. Moreover, its slightly raised ride height and standard all-wheel drive enable it to tackle snowy roads and light-duty off-road trails with ease.

Inside, the A4-derived Allroad gets the full luxury treatment with generous standard features like leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof, plus options like a remarkable Bang & Olufsen audio system. Although comparable crossovers offer more total cargo volume, the Allroad can nonetheless haul a lot of stuff with its rear seatbacks folded down. It's only in the technology realm that this all-season wagon starts to falter. Audi's familiar MMI infotainment system certainly offers access to a wide range of features, but the base version has awkward dash-mounted controls and lacks Bluetooth audio connectivity, while a USB port simply isn't available. These are unusual shortcomings in a contemporary luxury vehicle.

As for alternatives, the BMW 3 Series wagon offers better fuel economy with both its gasoline and diesel engines, but it lacks the Allroad's extra ground clearance. Another option would be the Volvo V60 Cross Country. It does have a raised ride height, just like the Allroad, but fuel economy and power are underwhelming. (A regular V60, with a stronger engine, is also available.) If you want an all-terrain wagon but find the Allroad and Cross Country too small, we'd suggest checking out the 2016 Volvo XC70 or even the 2016 Subaru Outback. But for this admittedly niche class of vehicle, the well-rounded 2016 Audi Allroad is the easiest to recommend.

All 2016 Audi Allroad models are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The only available transmission is an eight-speed automatic that sends power to all four wheels. In Edmunds testing, a 2013 Allroad with 9 fewer horsepower accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds, a below-average showing for a luxury wagon.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for this powertrain is 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway). That's only a tick better than the Audi Q5 crossover and considerably worse than the 3 Series wagon.

Every 2016 Audi Allroad model includes antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags. Rear-seat side airbags are optional on both trim levels. Offered solely on the Premium Plus is a blind-spot warning system, which comes bundled with a rearview camera and parking sensors as part of the Technology package.

In Edmunds brake testing, the Allroad came to a stop from 60 mph in 121 feet, which is slightly better than average for this segment.

In government crash tests, the Allroad received the top five-star rating for overall crash protection, including five stars each for frontal crash protection and side crash protection.

The 2016 Audi Allroad feels capable in a wide variety of situations. Its sharp on-pavement reflexes are inherited from the A4 sedan on which it's based. Meanwhile, its all-wheel-drive system and 7.1 inches of ground clearance enable it to tackle fresh snow or a muddy dirt road with confidence.

In everyday driving, the Allroad's precise steering and tidy dimensions allow you to snag parking spots passed over by drivers of larger crossovers. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine provides sufficient oomph when called upon, but ultimately it's slower than the BMW 3 Series wagon or Volvo V60 T6. We do like the refined eight-speed automatic transmission, for its quick and unobtrusive shifts.

Like all Audis, the 2016 Allroad has a well-crafted interior that's both understated and sophisticated. The workmanship and materials -- including standard leather upholstery in place of the "premium vinyl" used by some competitors -- are both first-rate. The standard front seats offer good comfort, but buyers who enjoy a spirited drive on a curvy stretch of road will appreciate the extra support offered by the more substantial side bolsters on the optional sport seats. The rear seats can be on the tight side for taller riders; this is an area where crossovers like the Audi Q5 have a clear advantage.

Audi's MMI system affords control of many infotainment functions by way of sharp display-screen menus, an array of buttons and a large rotating knob. The standard system locates these inputs on the dash, an awkward placement that may prove troublesome for some drivers. Models fitted with the optional navigation system have the buttons and knob on the console between the front seats, allowing for more ergonomic operation. We like this upgraded interface and think it stacks up well against rival systems, but it still lacks USB connectivity, although it does upgrade to Bluetooth streaming audio.

The Allroad's cargo hold offers 27.6 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and 50.5 cubic feet with those rear seatbacks folded flat. While these numbers are decent for a wagon of modest size, most crossover SUVs can haul more. The Allroad could also use more small bins and compartments throughout the cabin for everyday items.